Loved First

Well, goodness gracious sakes alive, Butterbean, you’d better be ‘a-hurryin’ on up an’ ‘a-pullin’ up a rocker and be ‘a-swattin’ that mosquito off’n your knee ‘cause we’re ‘a-wadin’ into God’s love. It’s deeper than a big ol’ Mississippi catfish hole.

1 John 4:18-19 says that perfect love kicks fear right outta the door. It don’t jus’ shoo it away. It expels it like a ol’ mama cow a protectin’ her lil’ baby calf from a nosy raccoon.

I once heard ‘bout a thief ‘a-sneakin’ ‘round when a parrot done hollered, “Jesus is ‘a-watchin’ you.” That there parrot was ‘a-sittin’ above a Doberman named Jesus that ‘a-waitin’ for a tasty snack. Then that there parrot done said, “Sic ’em, Jesus.” Now Junebug, that’ll make you rethink your whole career, sho’-nuff’.

But some folks done be ‘a-thinkin’ God is ‘a-perchin’ right up there like that there Doberman, ‘a growlin’ an’ ‘a waitin’ to pounce. Yet, Jesus done said the devil is the father of lies in John 8:44. He’s done ‘a-wantin’ us ‘a-standin’ back like a possum pretendin’ to be dead.

But Scripture tells us sumpin’ real different. John 3:16 says that God loved the world so much He gave His Son. Romans 5:8 says that He loved us while we were spiritual goats a wanderin’ in briars. And 1 John 4:10 says that He loved us first, not after we quit done ‘a-actin’ like stubborn mules. No, sir! First!

So, when the enemy done starts to whisperin’ that God is agin’ you, you gotta be ‘a-picturin’ the Lord ‘a-standin’ like a patient shepherd while you’re ‘a-wanderin’ like a confused goat. He ain’t mad. He ain’t huntin’ you to punish you. His perfect love done sends ol’ fear ‘a-packin’ like a possum when the porch light flips on. Why would a God who done went ‘a-lookin’ for us be ‘a-turnin’ agin’ us?

So, Buttercup, when that there lie comes ‘a-creepin’ in on you, you gotta be ‘a-rememberin’. He done found you ‘a-fore you ever went ‘a lookin’ for Him.

Lord, thank You for lovin’ me with a love stronger than fear, deeper than doubt, and steadier than an ol’ hound dog ‘a guardin’ the porch. Help me be ‘a-trustin’ You’re for me, not agin’ me, and be ‘a-restin’ in Your perfect love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Now go on, step off this here porch like a squirrel with a real purpose, ‘a-knowin’ the Almighty is ‘a-cheerin’ you on. His love ain’t flimsy like a scarecrow ‘a-tryin’ to keep crows away. It’s stronger than an ol’ mama bear ‘a-guardin’ her cubs and gentler than a barn cat ‘a-curlin’ up on your lap. Be ‘a-walkin’ on, Buttercup, ‘a-knowin’ the God who made the mountains, the minnows, and every moo‑in’ cow is rootin’ for you every step of the way.

With joy,

Gwen